A fitting tribute to The Beatles

The words Royal Albert Hall conjure up visions of the quintessentially British annual summer Proms concerts which have been held in this prestigious London concert hall since 1941.

However, this month will have a decidedly Maltese taste with a tribute concert to the music of The Beatles on October 28.

The concert will be held under the baton of Maltese conductor Alan Chircop and will feature the renowned Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. Special star guest appearances include legendary superstar Dame Shirley Bassey, Is This the Way to Amarillo crooner Tony Christie, West End actor and singer Darius Campbell and soul diva Beverley Knight.

Musical arrangements are by Maltese composer Wayne Grima. He explained that the Beatles Philharmonic Tribute is a musical spectacular of inspired classical interpretations from The Beatles’ songbook.

“This production has got something for everyone, from Beatles’ fans to classical lovers. It is a musical marriage that embodies dramatic orchestral arrangements imaginatively fused together with rock and pop elements, but in keeping with the true spirit and style of The Beatles. It is an exceptional production which will take you back down memory lane within the magnificent atmosphere of the Royal Albert Hall,” he said.

The concert will also feature a 100-strong Maltese choir – and I am very privileged and happy to be one of the choristers myself – who will complement the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as interludes by other upcoming local and foreign singers. The grand finale will bring the orchestra, chorus and main singers together for a fitting climax to an evening of exquisite music.

The show will be presented by Beatles aficionado, broadcaster Mike Read, a household name in Britain who has written songs for the likes of Cliff Richard, Steve Winwood, Boy George and David Essex. The producer and director of the show is Rocco Buonvino, who has staged high-end concerts all over the world.

Mr Chircop said that the intensive rehearsals with the Maltese choir, which have been going on since the beginning of summer, have paid off very well.

“Our recent press launch in London went very well. Darius and Tony Christie both attended, and there is high anticipation towards the event... and the 100-strong Maltese choir! There are very high expectations for the choristers to do a fantastic job,” he said.

The event is supporting the Malta Community Chest Fund and will be held under the distinguished patronage of the President and Mrs Abela. Dr Abela will actually be combining his annual visit to Maltese patients in London at the end of the month by attending the concert.

In fact, a large proportion of the Royal Albert Hall audience will be Maltese as quite a few family members and friends of the choristers are travelling to London to watch the show. As for me, I can’t wait! How many people can say that they sang on the same stage as musical powerhouse Shirley Bassey, with The Royal Philharmonic at The Royal Albert Hall? The show is sure to be one of the highlights of my theatre and singing career, as well as a fantastic experience to boot.

• More information about the concert, should you be in London on or around October 28, may be obtained from www.beatlesphilharmonic.com. Tickets may be obtained by e-mail: mccf@beatlesphilharmonic.com.